Warning Shots

Despite recourse to a series of non-lethal, preplanned responses, an embarked security team aboard USNS Rappahannock was obliged to fire warning shots at a small motor vessel near Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.

USNS Rappahannock Fires After Vessel Ignores Warnings

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) — An embarked security team aboard a U.S. Navy vessel fired upon a small motor vessel after it disregarded warnings and rapidly approached the U.S. ship near Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates on Monday.

In accordance with Navy force protection procedures, the sailors on the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) used a series of non-lethal, preplanned responses to warn the vessel before resorting to lethal force.

The U.S. crew repeatedly attempted to warn the vessel’s operators to turn away from their deliberate approach. When those efforts failed to deter the approaching vessel, the security team on the Rappahannock fired rounds from a .50-caliber machine gun.

The incident is under investigation.

Source: US Navy